This archive report was first published on 24 June 2020.
Centralising Health Services: A Necessary Step ¶
Published on June 24, 2020
Kenya's devolution of health services has led to the establishment of state-of-the-art hospitals in several counties, easing pressure on major facilities like Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
However, this progress has been overshadowed by the counties' ineptitude in managing medical personnel, particularly doctors and nurses.
Strikes and walkouts have become a recurring theme in the relationship between health workers and county executives, with disputes over pay, allowances, working environment, promotions, and further training.
Notably, a 100-day doctors' strike three years ago resulted in dozens of patient deaths, while a subsequent nationwide nurses' strike had devastating effects.
Currently, the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union has warned that five counties have failed to pay their members' May salaries, potentially leading to another nationwide strike.
As the country battles the Covid-19 pandemic, it is crucial that health workers are not distracted by management issues. The national government should reclaim the management of medical personnel, especially doctors, from the counties to ensure effective service delivery.
